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31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
CuriositiesAPR 25, 2025

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online

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The thing about tourists is that they're a pretty noticeable flock of people. What we mean by that is that usually, something gives away that a person is only a visitor in a place, not a local.
So, today, let's discuss exactly that — the signs that give away someone is a tourist. But let's go a little more specific and make it about American tourists. Apparently, there are quite a lot of things that give away their origin country. Let's dive in, shall we?
More info: Reddit | Reddit

#1

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
They get very personal very quickly- within 10 minutes of meeting an American at uni, I knew all about her family, her business, her husband business and how her home had burned down 13 years ago.

Maybe it's because I'm British but at least enjoy the awkward small talk for a bit!
35points

#2

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
#THE VOLUME OF THEIR VOICE.
34points

#3

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
Lots of laughing and smiling, or any other way of being happy in public. I'm born and raised in Ukraine but lived in the US for a long time for school. I picked up on these American-isms and my family and friends were weirded out by it. Russian/slavic folk aren't happy in public, it's super suspect. You're either on d***s, mentally ill, or...American.
31points

No matter where you live, it’s likely that the place, at least from time to time, gets some tourists visiting it. Granted, some places experience way fewer tourists than others, but they still do, at least occasionally – people find ways to see even the most secluded places like North Korea.

On the other end of the spectrum, according to World Tourism rankings, the most visited places in 2025 so far are France, Spain, and the United States. Speaking of the US, it is not only one of the most visited countries; it also “produces” quite a lot of tourists.

#4

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
I find Americans have a really distinctive walk which means they’re obvious from 100 yards away. But I really can’t find a way to describe it.

The best I can say it as. Is that they seem to swing their legs a lot more when they walk.

Also they always talk about their friends it seems. Every time I overhear an American. They’re talking about their friends. It’s kind of sweet.
30points

#5

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
Extra ice in their drinks.
29points

#6

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
I’ve heard that Americans will always say what state they are from when you ask where they’re from.
28points

The thing about American tourists is that they’re pretty easy to spot, due to the way they look and act. That’s what today’s list focuses on – the signs that show that someone is clearly American. Even though it might sound like a rather silly topic, believe us, it’s entertaining. 

All the submissions here were collected from various online threads like this, with the question “Non-USA Redditors, besides accents, what is a dead giveaway that a tourist is American?” or a similar one.

#7

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
Baseball cap and university hoody.
28points

#8

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
Being called African-American while living in The Netherlands.
28points

#9

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
I was at a beach where music was playing and sweet Caroline came on. I told my sister (we are both Hispanic, but I love in the US): “hey, if you are wondering who here is from the US, you are about to find out”

10 seconds later: PA PA PAAAAAA.
25points

So, what are these signs we’re teasing you so much about? Well, for the full collection you have to check out the list yourself, but let us mention a few of them too. 

For example, when an American is asked where they’re from, they usually say their state, not the country. That’s a perfect example of Americentrism. It’s when Americans view the world from a perspective that’s heavily focused on their country, seemingly forgetting that not everyone is from there.

#10

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
If you see an American in Japan, they will frantically look for public trash cans. The absence of trash receptacle is something unfounded in the US, and we become confused at the idea of having to hold it for extended periods of time.
23points

#11

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
The absolute fearlessness of asking anyone on the street about anything


Edit: I don't mean this negatively, I'm just saying I've seen Americans approach people both in my home country and abroad starting conversations with them that I wouldn't dream of. Because they look shady or just plain scary
Example, I was in Newcastle and I see a bald headed skinny man with face tattoos and a tracksuit suddenly asked "hey bud, d'ya know where..."
It's quite admirable.
22points

#12

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
They get amazed by old things.

Girlfriend used to work on a farm and an estate in the U.K. and would often have Americans in awe of the old buildings.

One once said ‘some of these buildings are older than my country’.
21points

Accordingly, when they mention the state they’re from, they are assuming that the person they’re talking to knows all the states and what being from there implies.

In reality, common non-American folk probably don’t know all of the states, nor their exact place on the map or cultural background. In fact, not all Americans even know them by heart, so what can they expect from foreigners? Well, Americentrism deletes this doubt from people’s minds.

Another notable thing about American tourists is their loudness. And it’s not only notable, but it’s also quite annoying for many. Take this TikTok as an example – in it, the creator expressed their disdain for the loud voices of visiting Americans. She’s far from the only one; there are plenty of similar videos on that app, not to mention content on other social media too.

#13

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
In general most ive met are usually happy about life and friendly and upbeat. Must be the weather, we're not like that in England.
20points

#14

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
Saying “hi, how are you?” to the barista, servers, retail workers. My country doesn’t quite have that culture so I find it really sweet.
20points

#15

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
When you ask where they're from they name a city instead of the country.
19points

Well, it’s not entirely clear why Americans tend to be so loud, but there are some theories about it. For instance, it might be a byproduct of the individualism that’s persistent in American society. Or it might be due to the fact that people from the US value broader personal space, which keeps greater distance between people physically, requiring louder voices. 

Whichever of these or any other theories is true, it doesn’t change the fact that it’s a noticeable sign of Americans in the wild. Check out the rest of the signs in the list and maybe even suggest your examples in the comments!

#16

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
If they have kids they say "Good job!" to them a lot.
19points

#17

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
Getting way too excited when I say just regularly say "G'day".
18points

#18

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
Running shoes. Americans tend to wear sneakers with EVERYTHING. Europeans and even Canadians tend to wear leather shoes when appropriate. If 10 guys are wearing khakis and only one of them is wearing running shoes - that’s your American.
18points

#19

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
Asking for the restroom. I mean, obviously the accent was then heard too but in my little village in Scotland I was in the pub and a woman politely asked the barman where the restrooms were. He didn’t know wtf she was on about and then it obviously clicked. “Ye mean the toilet? Aye hen it’s joost back ‘err”.
18points

#20

31 Clear Signs Literally Exposing American Tourists Abroad, As Shared By Folks Online
1) "Does that come with a side order of *French Fries*?"

This phrase and that sentence alone are so foreign here even if you faked an accent perfectly it would stand out.

2) Americans are huge. Not fat, but huge. They are taller and bigger than locals and other foreigners. Even the women.

Update: I am not in or from Europe, i am Central African. I am aware Swedes involuntarily headbutt doorframes. :/.
17points
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